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Best adventure holiday destinations

Love filling your holiday days with activities and adventure? This one’s for you.
If your holidays are all about activities and adventure, you’ll want a destination that offers more than just sun, sea and balmy beaches. From zip-lining through the Costa Rican jungle to abseiling down waterfalls in Mauritius and racing snowmobiles in Lapland, here are the best places for an adventure holiday…

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Costa Rica

Costa Rica is well-known David Attenborough territory. Thanks to over 30 national parks and nature reserves, the whole country is pretty much a haven for wildlife. Not only can you spot sleepy sloths, tree frogs and colourful toucans hanging out in the trees, you can explore the rainforest in style. Head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest and you can test your head for heights by crossing eight sky-high hanging bridges. Or go one better, and sign up for a zip-lining trip to swing like Tarzan through the tree tops.

Check out holidays to Costa Rica.
People on a boat in the rainfroest.

Mauritius

When we say Mauritius, you probably think beaches and luxury resorts. But, this place is much more than a honeymoon hotspot – it’s also an adventure-packed paradise. Head to the Black River Gorges National Park and you can snap pics of the wildlife and tropical plants before getting strapped into a harness and abseiling down a waterfall and into a canyon – yes, really. Mauritius is also a top sky diving spot, thanks to the near-perfect conditions and beautiful island views you get from above. Plus, if you want to throw yourself out of a plane and then into the country’s culture, you can check out the colourful Tamil temples dotted around the island, and the famous Seven Coloured Earths to get a selfie next to every shade of sand.

Check out our holidays to Mauritius.
Overhead view Fort Adelaide in Mauritius.

St Lucia

St Lucia, also known as the ‘Hawaii of the Caribbean’, pairs its gorgeous tropical scenery with some amazing adventure activities. You can drive through an actual volcano and take a mud bath in the thermal waters. Or you can speedily zip-line through the jungle, spotting St Lucia parrots along the way. If you’re a foodie, head down to the tiny local village of Gros Islet on Friday night for fish fry and a party that brings all the Caribbean vibes.

Check out our holidays to St Lucia.
Close-up of a waterfall.

Lapland

This one’s for the families… although, Santa’s hometown isn’t just for kids. Along with meeting the big man himself, having snowball fights with elves, and baking Christmas cookies with Mrs Claus, you can get stuck in to some thrilling snow sports in Lapland, too. There’s snowmobile riding, where you can whizz James Bond-style across icy lakes, reaching high speeds (if you dare). Or hop on a husky-led sleigh and ride through the snowy landscape. There’s also 220 kilometres of cross-country trails for skiing fans, and unique activities like snowshoe hiking – which is essentially hiking in funky snowshoes – to try as well.

Check out our Lapland holidays.
A husky-led sleigh in the snow.
Ready to book your next adventure?

Browse our full list of destinations.

Plus, check out our top tips for long-haul flights, the best jungle-themed holidays and the best national parks for everyone.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Selina Akhtar and Carla Fabian

Last updated: 22.04.2025

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